Youth Program Officer II- $5,000 Sign on Incentive (Incentive is for External Hires Only)

Bernalillo County•Albuquerque, NM

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of a Program Manager, the Youth Program Officer II provides direct supervision, care, and treatment to residents in the custody of the Youth Services Center or its programs. The role maintains security, order, and discipline; leads staff and supports facility operations; and helps residents develop daily living, social, and work/study skills through programming and counseling. The position also involves documenting and reporting on residents, supervising activities, transporting residents, and responding to safety incidents. The position is based at the Youth Services Center, 5100 Second St NW. Duties are performed primarily indoors (90%) in a temperature-controlled environment, with some outdoor work (10%), typically involving resident transportation and recreation. Work may involve shift work, exposure to infectious disease, and risk of personal injury or heavy exertion when restraining or pursuing residents.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Law Enforcement, Criminology, Psychology, or a related field, plus one year of related experience working in a lockdown, secure, or correctional facility; an equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered.
Successfully complete a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
Comply with County safety guidelines and safety policy requirements, including use of an OSHA-approved respirator when required.
Complete required FEMA training assigned to the position.
Complete 120 initial hours of on-the-job training, including State Juvenile Code and “A Level” Restraint Training, and recertify in these areas every six months.
Have a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the employment date and maintain a valid license while employed.
Be able to use an OSHA-approved respirator when appropriate, including completing medical evaluation and fit testing for proper sealing.

Responsibilities

Maintain security, order, and discipline to prevent disturbances and escapes and ensure the safety of residents, staff, and the community.
Serve as a first-line lead worker, helping ensure shifts are fully staffed and that unit maintenance and facility security are maintained, including resident searches and facility inspections.
Conduct and participate in in-service training and staff development programs.
Assist in training, assigning, and leading subordinate staff.
Evaluate, recommend, and implement programs that educate residents in daily living skills, social skills, and work/study habits.
Counsel residents in group and individual sessions.
Review youth files and records for accurate, updated documentation and provide oral and written reports to the Program Manager.
Assign and monitor resident activities and supervise residents during physical education and recreation.
Transport residents to court, hospitals, other facilities, and service locations outside the Youth Services Center.
Physically restrain violent residents and, when necessary, pursue residents on foot during escape attempts.
Ensure appropriate shift transitions, including the transfer of pertinent documents, staffing issues, resident counts, equipment, and keys.
Initiate contact with parents, legal guardians, Probation and Parole Officers, and other agencies.
Perform other operational, job-related duties and on-the-job training as required or assigned.